Chicken & Black Bean Tacos (Slow Cooked…)

When I need a quick and simple gluten-free meal on nights I won’t have time to cook, I open up Stephanie O’Dea’sMake It Fast, Cook It Slow for recipes and inspiration. Yes, I wrote a quick and simple cookbook – and I have some yummy slow cooker recipes in there. But, sometimes I want something new.

I like to make sure that Joe always has dinner even if I’m not going to be home. Yes, sometimes he eats leftovers and I usually have a meal or two in the freezer. When he’s been traveling a lot, though, a hot, home cooked meal is exactly what he wants. The slow cooker lets me make dinner in 10 minutes – but I never tell him that.

This is my take on Stephanie’s recipe. For all of you that love your slow cooker for it’s convenience and the ability to cook from scratch for your family on those busy nights, put this on your to-make list. And don’t tell anyone how quick and simple it is…they’ll never guess.

Use a 4 or 5 quart slow cooker . Slice the onion thinly in moons from end to end. Put the sliced onion in the bottom of the crock.

If the chicken thighs have lots of fat, cut it of with a sharp chef’s knife. Rub the chicken thighs with salt and pepper then lay them on top of the onions. Put the beans, corn and salsa on top of the chicken, then sprinkle the cumin and paprika across the top. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 – 5 hours, until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.

To toast the corn tortillas, heat a dry pan over high heat. Toast on each side just until they start to color, about 20 seconds per side. Wrap in foil and put in a 200 degree F oven to keep warm.

Serve tacos with desired toppings or pile it on top of a plate of shredded romaine lettuce and make a taco salad.

Comments

Tacos are often my default "No time to cook" dinners! I either use leftover roasted chicken (doing that this week!) or I use the slow cooker for pork or beef. I am glad to see you used only thighs here - they won't dry out like breasts will. I love chicken thighs in tacos. This sounds good and easy. I'm sure Joe loves it too.

@Alta, Yep, thighs are really the best for the slow cooker. Did you notice the great color I got on the tortillas? I always think of you when I toast them...your dry pan works perfectly every time.
Hugs!
Amy

Since I'm going to be gone this weekend, I should throw something like this together for the boys so they can have quick easy dinners. This looks delicious! I have beans going on my crockpot right now. I love that piece of equipment.

@Kristina Vanni, You're so sweet to stop by and say hi, Kristina. I'm glad you're enjoying my book - I take that as a very high compliment coming from you.
I love the tacos...especially with the carrot & jicima slaw. Have fun!
Hugs,
Amy

Amy
wow - look at those tacos. Holy cow! They look so yummy. And how ingenious to make them in the slow cooker. Nothing like having dinner made for you :)
Thanks for the link love, too. That was so kind of you :)
Have a wonderful week
Stephanie

I'm just starting this journey and I love your web site. Mexican is our favorite dinner so we have it quite a lot. My favorite economical way to do chicken is to buy a whole chicken and crock pot it or rotisserie it. We have it for dinner. Then I part out the meat and put it in the fridge. The "throw away" stuff stays in the crock and I add water and cook it for another day. There's my broth and already cooked chicken for other meals. Chicken soup, chicken tacos, chicken sandwiches....
Thanks for ALL your great info!!!!
Steph

The next time i made them i let them cook in the pan longer and it worked out much better! They were't crispy but they weren't as soggy as the first time either. so i just had to do some adjusting of the cooking time!
thanks a bunch

About Amy

Living free of refined sugars and gluten since 2004 has allowed me to live a fulfilled, healthy life. My food cravings, migraines, and depression vanished and was able to maintain a 60+ pound weight loss. Today I live with enormous freedom. Join me as I create healthier food that's delicious. I'll help you do the same.